"The hamlet of
Ventnor, formed by a range of neat cottages,
chiefly inhabited by fishermen, open to the sea
in front, and backed by woods and the high downs
of St. Boniface"

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Sir
Henry Englefield in 1816

"A fine spring
rises at Ventnor, and after a short course, turns
a mill, and then falls into the sea by a
succession of cascades"

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Cuthbert Bede

"A medley of every
possible known and unknown order of architecture strewn
on the rocky slope of the amphitheatre - Breakneck
precipices and zig zag roads at every alarming angle of
declivity intercept the labyrinth of houses, which stand
(to all appearance) on each other's heads -
Higgledy-piggledy is decidedly the plan upon which
Ventnor has been built; and it must be confessed that the
general effect is successful in a picturesque point of
view"

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Nelson's Handbook 1877

"It will always remain
one of the most charming and favoured health resorts in
the south of England. Its situation cannot easily be
surpassed"

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Ward Lock Guide 1931

"In fact, Ventnor is a
sun-box, and the east and north winds would have to
confess that they have not even a visiting acquaintance
with her"